School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences - The University of Texas at Dallas

A Tribute to Duane Buhrmester

Dr. Duane Buhrmester, professor of psychology and associate dean for undergraduate programs, and his wife, Linda, were killed in a climbing accident this summer.

Duane served as associate dean in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences for 13 years. He touched the lives of thousands of students by providing advice, mentoring, support, concern and the occasional push to the currently more than 1,200 students majoring in one of the school’s five undergraduate programs. Duane was an exceptional leader who continually focused on how we could provide better training for our students. In his efforts to ensure that our students were well-prepared for whatever post-graduate path that they took, Duane provided formal and informal sessions on how to get into graduate school, resumé writing and numerous other topics. He also spent countless hours counseling and assisting students in their professional development.

This commitment to our students was matched in energy by Duane’s continual exploration of research questions regarding how children’s and adolescent peer relationships reflect and shape patterns of development. Duane and a former doctoral student had recently published an article regarding gender patterns and competition that received international attention in both the professional and popular press, and he was often sought after to present at symposia on adolescent development.

For his family, students, colleagues and friends, Duane was a consistent resource of warmth, caring, ideas, energy and strength who will be missed deeply. To honor his commitment to students, we have created the Buhrmester Student Development Fund, which will provide resources to aid students in their professional development. We have also created the Buhrmester Rising Star Award that will be annually presented to a former undergraduate who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishment during his or her first 10 years after graduation. Those interested in participating in this fund may contribute online or send donations to:

Buhrmester Student Development Fund
The University of Texas at Dallas
Office of Development and Alumni Relations
800 W. Campbell Road
Richardson, TX 75080